Pop-Up Birdcage – Make a Card or Luminary!

After I made my pop-up apple tree card, Greg commented that I should make a pop-up birdcage. “Sure!” I said, not having any idea what a pop-up birdcage might look like or even work. But after trial and a whole lot of error, I’ve designed a pop-up birdcage that I’m pleased with. My birdcage has a little swinging roost inside for two sweet little birds to hang out on. It also has a door and a vine of morning glories climbing up the side. Why morning glories? They are one of my favorite flowers and, like birds, love the morning!

The good news is that the pop-up birdcage is really pretty simple to assemble. Just fold and glue. And even better news is that it’s really versatile. It works as a pop-up card, as a standalone decoration, or even as a luminary. I put a flameless LED candle in mine and it lit up the walls and ceiling with a lovely pattern! Use it in whatever way that pleases you. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure.

The free SVG files (available in my Free Resource Library — get the password to it at the bottom of this post)

Helpful Birdcage Facts

Finished size is 6.5″ tall by 3.5″ wide.

Finished card (folded flat): 7″ x 7″ (minimum)

Door opening: 1.25″ wide by 1.9″ high

Cutting time: 20-30 minutes on a Cricut Explore Air 2 on the Intricate Cuts setting

How to Make a Pop-Up Birdcage Step by Step

First, cut out your card stock using my free SVG files. Please note that I’ve set score lines in the files on the first layer, so you’ll need to change those from Cut to Score first. Here’s what the file looks like uploaded to Cricut Design Space 3 (beta)—in this image, I’ve already changed the top layer to Score.

Resizing notes: You can make this smaller, but the smaller you go the harder it is to fold. Also, the bars of the cage become thinner and are more prone to getting damaged during assembly. I did successfully make a birdcage that was 4.5″ tall, but I would not go any smaller than that.

Next, watch my assembly video for the pop-up birdcage:

Once you have your card stock cut out, glue the wings and eyes on the birds. Also attach the blossom centers (they look like starfish) onto the blossom backs using spray adhesive, if you wish.

Next, glue the birds to the bottom rungs of the roost, being careful not to get glue anywhere other than between the bird and the roost. I used a paintbrush to paint Tacky Glue on carefully.

Now it’s time to fold the birdcage — I think this is the hardest part just because it’s delicate. If you score it (which I highly recommend), just fold all the score lines. You’ll find score lines on the roof, between the roof and sides, between each side, and between all the tabs. Go slowly and carefully.

With your birdcage folded (but not yet assembled), decorate the front of your birdcage in any way you please. I’ve provided a lot of vines, leaves, and blossoms to decorate with. Just be careful not cover the folds in your birdcage, as that could cause issues later when assembled.

Next, glue the top of your bird roost to the inside top of your birdcage, just below the ring. Be sure to let this dry before you continue on.

To glue the birdcage itself, place a line of glue on the two narrow flaps along the roof — there’s a tab on each half of the roof. Next carefully fold the birdcage in half so the roof pieces meet. Align them perfectly and wait for these to the glue to set before continuing.

Now put a line of glue on the narrow tab alongside the birdcage side and align it with the other side. Press and wait until the glue is set.

Squeeze the birdcage open until it is in the right shape. If you’re having a problem getting the birdcage to open fully, you can re-crease some of the folds so they are all at the same angle.

If you want to turn this into a pop-up card, just insert the tabs into the circle base and tape down from the underside. You can then put whatever card stock cover you want on it (not provided in my files because they are simple shapes — I just two 7″ x 7″ squares of cardstock on either side of the base to make a card).

Would you prefer standalone decoration? Just cut off the tabs on the bottom and put somewhere to enjoy!

If you want to turn this into a luminary, just place a little LED tea light inside. The one I used was 1.5″ wide by 1.5″ tall and it fit inside without any issue.

I think this pop-up birdcage makes a lovely card, but also a really pretty luminary. The tea light glowing from behind the little bars is enchanting. I think this would be particularly nice to use for an engagement, wedding, or anniversary! In fact, I made a special version with hearts and lovebirds as a thank-you gift for my Patreon supporters.

As always, do let me know if you have any questions. If you make this design, please send me a photo at [email protected] If you give me permission, I will include your photo here in the tutorial! Be the first. 🙂

To get the password to my free resource library that has all the files for this project, just fill out the form below.

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About Jennifer

Jennifer Marx is a designer, an enthusiastic crafter, a lifelong teacher, and a proud overcomer of a variety of life's challenges. In her spare time she loves to play D&D and video games, garden, sew 16th c. costumes, and go to Disney. She lives a full, happy life in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan with her partner Greg, her teen daughter Alexa, and their two dogs, Hunter and Chloe.

i have been trying to get the password but it goes to fast then disappears i have done it twice and still goes to fast to finish reading to get the password could you send it to me so i can download it iam 60 yrs old don’t read fast please help me thank you

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